Filion native named postmaster in Birch Run

Rachel Maurer, a North Huron graduate, started as rural carrier

Rachel Maurer, a North Huron graduate and native of Filion, has been named postmaster of Birch Run. (Huron Daily Tribune, File)

Rachel Maurer, a North Huron graduate and native of Filion, has been named postmaster of Birch Run. (Huron Daily Tribune, File)

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Rachel Maurer, a North Huron graduate and native of Filion, has been named postmaster of Birch Run. (Huron Daily Tribune, File)

Rachel Maurer, a North Huron graduate and native of Filion, has been named postmaster of Birch Run. (Huron Daily Tribune, File)

Filion native named postmaster in Birch Run

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BAD AXE — Rachel Maurer started working for the United States Postal Service about seven years ago as a rural carrier in the Cass City area. From there, she spent time in Saginaw, New Lothrop, Clarkston, Port Austin and Harbor Beach after she was promoted to the position of clerk, quickly proving herself as a reliable and capable employee who could be counted on to go wherever she was needed to get the job done.

Maurer’s years of hard work and dedication paid off late last month when she was named postmaster of Birch Run. She said the variety of duties her job involves make it particularly rewarding. Her new job was a goal she had been working toward, and her versatility was a key reason behind her promotion.

“I can't pinpoint just one aspect of the job that I absolutely love because I love everything about my job,” Maurer said. “Sure, there are challenges, and every day is different, but it keeps the job from getting stale.”

Maurer will now oversee 21 employees in her new role as postmaster. She said the USPS is constantly changing and adapting as it continues to experience a decline in mail volume. Online commerce has made up for some of that decline, but the important role postal carriers hold in their communities always remains the same. Carriers get to know the people on their routes and are mindful of the well-being of their customers who may be vulnerable due to their age or similar reasons. She said with the current situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, mail delivery is providing a sense of normalcy in a time it’s really needed.

“It’s the connections you make with so many different people,” she said. “I personally love working and being part of a close-knit community that rallies together. There is just something about the charm of the Thumb that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s the kindness, the willingness to help in times of need, the building up of small business, and the coming together that make me proud to be part of this community.

“Working in the Thumb has its advantages, as well,” she said. “It has allowed me to gain experiences and take on responsibilities that would have been dispersed among several employees in a larger post office. (In) the large offices, everybody has a specific task that they need to do to get the job done. You essentially master that task, whereas in the smaller communities, you learn it all.”

Maurer is a native of Filion and graduate of North Huron High School. North Huron teacher and Athletic Director Chad Knoblock said he was not surprised to hear of Maurer’s achievement, adding she always demonstrated an inner drive and good character.

“Rachel was always a really hard worker,” Knoblock said. “I knew her and her brothers when they were growing up, and they were always busy doing something. She was very good friends with one of our babysitters, so she was even around the house on many occasions. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that she is being recognized for her work.”

Maurer said her roots in the Thumb have provided a solid foundation for her life. She credits a member of her family with teaching her what truly matters, and it’s a lesson that she carries with her to this day.

“One person that has been incredibly influential in my life is my grandma, Nancy Deacons,” Maurer said. “She has taught me first and foremost that you never compromise your faith. Family traditions are important, and you respect and love your family. When you love, you love endlessly and never envy somebody’s success — instead, rejoice with them.”